So far, I have found that the BiggerPockets website is full of valuable information and will prove to be a vital resource in the pursuit of my investing goals.   

:-(One vital notion is whether or not the House or Senate will keep/flip.

This is a great forum and I am sure it will help you learn many facets of the real estate investment world.

Your anonymity is vital, and land trusts can also protect you and your investments from identity thieves. 

The only problem preventing me from pulling the trigger is the negative growth and negative appreciation in those areas and also I just don't see any vital signs that economically things are going to get better in those areas.

Every facet of life is drenched in constant marketing, and if your not front center your nothing.

You have the opportunity to interact with countless experienced investors and acquire their counsel on any facet of real estate investing.   

It's been a lesson to me of why it's vital to do the research and that your gut feeling is often not correct.

I know there is a lot of potential in Baltimore because I receive emails from wholesalers every day, but like Ned said, it's VITAL to know the neighborhoods3) Join a local REI meetup (actually, I've already done that, but have yet to make it out to any meetings)I'd be happy to share my experiences and what I've learned so far looking at properties and visiting different neighborhoods.

It’s not vitally important, but it’s a case where spending an extra $20 can make it look like you spent an extra $500.